As Nigerian workers joined counterparts across the world to mark May Day, President Bola Tinubu acknowledged the deepening economic hardship plaguing citizens, from the soaring cost of living to widespread hunger, insecurity, and rising unemployment. Represented by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, at the Workers’ Day rally in Abuja, the President admitted that the challenges are real and critical, calling for urgent and definite solutions.
He assured workers that his administration remains committed to creating an environment where every Nigerian feels safe, valued, and empowered. Tinubu stressed that economic growth must go hand in hand with inclusivity, civic engagement, and respect for labour rights. He added that policies are being put in place to drive job creation, reduce poverty, and support vulnerable Nigerians, while also improving workplace standards in line with international best practices.
Speaking at the Eagle Square event, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, said May Day is a moment not just for celebration, but reflection and re-commitment to the dignity of labour. She said the government recognises the economic realities Nigerians are grappling with and reaffirmed the administration’s determination to implement solutions through dialogue and engagement.
However, Organised Labour used the occasion to hand over a strongly worded 20-point demand to the Federal Government. In a joint statement, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero and his Trade Union Congress (TUC) counterpart, Festus Osifo, condemned the deepening socio-economic crisis. They described the worsening insecurity, economic inequality, and rising poverty as symptoms of failed governance and a weakening democracy.
The unions decried the escalating bloodshed across the country, referencing killings in Plateau, Zamfara, Ondo, and other states. They called for urgent actions to secure lives and property, insisting that the government must end state tyranny and uphold constitutional democracy.
Labour leaders criticised the state of the economy, warning that official statistics do not reflect the lived reality of Nigerians. They lamented that minimum wage has lost value due to runaway inflation, and most workers now struggle to afford basic necessities. With real wages eroded and local industries collapsing, the unions warned that continued inaction could plunge the country into deeper crisis.
They also condemned the recent exodus of multinational companies due to Nigeria’s harsh business climate, stressing that without a stable manufacturing base, job creation will remain a mirage. The unions called for a living wage, fair taxation, democratic accountability, and economic policies that prioritise the welfare of Nigerians over corporate profits.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also weighed in, saluting the resilience of Nigerian workers. He urged the government to treat the labour force as critical partners in national development rather than mere instruments of productivity. He said the failure of policymakers to match workers’ sacrifices with justice and support is deeply disheartening.
Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, praised the dedication of Nigerian workers and urged them to stay committed to excellence and national progress. She emphasised that their service remains the backbone of the country’s development and called for unity and innovation to overcome national challenges.
May Day 2025 thus emerged not only as a celebration of workers’ contributions but as a rallying cry for justice, accountability, and bold reforms amid deepening national distress.
Comments